Las Vegas Weddings · Complete Guide
LGBTQ+ & Same-Sex Weddings in Las Vegas
Nevada has recognized marriage equality since 2014 — a complete guide to planning your gay, lesbian, or LGBTQ+ wedding or elopement in Las Vegas.
2014
Marriage equality in Nevada
$102
License, same for every couple
None
Waiting period
Since 1998
LVWC experience
Marriage Equality in Nevada
Every Venue, Every Package, Every Couple
Nevada recognized same-sex marriage in October 2014, a full year before the Supreme Court’s Obergefell v. Hodges decision extended it nationwide. In 2020, Nevada voters went further and wrote marriage equality into the state constitution — the first state to do so. Las Vegas has been one of the country’s most popular destinations for gay, lesbian, and LGBTQ+ weddings ever since: no waiting period, no residency requirement, and a marriage license process that treats every couple identically.
At LVWC, every venue and every package — the same-day Sign & Go signing at any location you choose, desert ceremonies at Valley of Fire and Nelson Ghost Town, or a helicopter wedding above the Grand Canyon — is available to every couple, with the same licensed officiants and the same customizable options.
This guide covers the legal process, your venue options, and planning tips specific to LGBTQ+ couples marrying in Las Vegas.
Step by Step
The Legal Process
Obtain a Nevada Marriage License
Both partners appear in person at the Clark County Marriage License Bureau, 201 E Clark Ave in downtown Las Vegas, with a valid government-issued photo ID. Cost is $102, cash or card. Nevada's application form does not distinguish by gender — it simply asks for "Applicant 1" and "Applicant 2." There is no residency requirement and no waiting period.
Meet the Same Requirements as Any Couple
Both partners must be 18 or older; a 17-year-old can marry only with parental consent and a Nevada court order, and no license is issued under 17. No blood test, no medical exam. If either partner was previously married, you'll need the date of the most recent divorce or spouse's death — a decree is not required at the bureau.
Choose a Licensed Officiant
Nevada requires a licensed officiant to perform the ceremony. LVWC provides one with every package, and every officiant performs ceremonies for every couple without distinction.
Have Your License Signed and Filed
After the ceremony, your officiant signs the license and LVWC files it with Clark County on your behalf — you don't need to return to the bureau. Certified copies of your marriage certificate are ordered online through the Clark County Recorder's Office.
How Couples Do It
Three Ways Same-Sex Couples Marry With LVWC
Just the two of you, at your hotel
Get your license downtown, then a licensed officiant meets you in your hotel room or suite for a $299 Sign & Go. We bring the witness, so no guests are needed.
A desert elopement with photos
Two grooms, two brides, or however you show up: a private ceremony at Valley of Fire or Nelson Ghost Town with officiant, permit, and photography handled for you.
Flying in from out of state or abroad
Nothing to file before you arrive — just bring ID. International couples should check home-country recognition first; our international couples guide covers the apostille step.
Choose Your Setting
Every LVWC Venue, Open to You
Every ceremony includes a licensed officiant, and desert packages add the permit and professional photography. No exceptions by couple.
From $299
Sign & Go (Any Location)
A licensed officiant meets you at any location you choose. Same-day available. The fastest, most private legal marriage in Las Vegas.
View Package →From $900
Valley of Fire State Park
Nevada's oldest state park, 50 miles from the Strip. A permitted, private location for an intimate ceremony away from crowds.
View Package →From $850
Nelson Ghost Town
An authentic 1800s mining ghost town in El Dorado Canyon. Weathered chapel, vintage vehicles, raw desert backdrops.
View Package →From $1,499
Eldorado Dry Lakebed
Vast Mojave desert floor with unobstructed 360-degree mountain views. The closest desert venue to the Strip.
View Package →From $1,499
Las Vegas Strip Helicopter
A ceremony and flight over the neon Strip at night. 75+ aerial photos included.
View Package →From $4,950
Grand Canyon Helicopter
A private helicopter flight into the Grand Canyon, landing beside the Colorado River 4,000 feet below the rim for your ceremony.
View Package →Planning Tips
What to Know Before You Book
The paperwork is identical for every couple
Nevada's marriage license application has used gender-neutral "Applicant 1" and "Applicant 2" fields since marriage equality took effect. Same $102 fee, same process, no extra forms.
Desert venues offer privacy by design
Valley of Fire and Nelson Ghost Town sit 45 to 75 minutes from the Strip — a genuinely private setting for couples who want their ceremony away from crowds and cameras.
Your officiant and photographer work for you
LVWC's officiants and photographers perform and shoot ceremonies for couples of every identity and family structure, and every script is customizable — include, exclude, or reword whatever you like.
A Nevada marriage travels with you
Under Obergefell v. Hodges and the 2022 Respect for Marriage Act, a Nevada marriage is legally recognized in all 50 states. If you're visiting from outside the US, check your home country's recognition rules before you travel.
No guests? No problem
Nevada needs one adult witness at the ceremony. If it's just the two of you, LVWC provides one at no charge — see who can be a witness.
Weekday dates book faster and feel more private
Saturday ceremonies at the most popular desert venues fill first. A Tuesday or Wednesday date gets you the same scenery with better availability and a quieter location.
Common Questions
LGBTQ+ Wedding FAQ
Is gay marriage legal in Las Vegas?
Is same-sex marriage protected in Nevada's constitution?
Does the marriage license process differ for same-sex couples?
Will our Nevada marriage be recognized where we live?
Can we get married in our Las Vegas hotel room?
Can two grooms or two brides elope at Valley of Fire?
Can we choose any LVWC venue or package?
Are LVWC officiants and photographers LGBTQ+-friendly?
Do we need witnesses at our ceremony?
Ready to Begin?
Start Planning Your Las Vegas Wedding
Contact LVWC to check date availability and lock in your package — every venue, every officiant, open to every couple.
